Golf Anyone?

Artspace announces New Haven’s first Artist-designed outdoor mini-golf installation at “The Lot,” on lower Chapel Street between Church and Orange Streets. This installation is a full, playable 9-hole mini golf course which will be open to the public for play during gallery hours for only $5 a game. Each hole in the course has been designed and created by a local artist. In opening this installation to public participation and play, Artspace strives both to support and promote local artists, and to bring engaging, world-quality art to the streets and citizens of New Haven. Those interested in playing on the course may find more information regarding rules, materials, and procedures, online at artspacenh.org/galleries/the_lot.
 

The 9 artists selected by Artspace to create their own participatory mini golf art for the installation are Ian Applegate, Heather Bizon, Silas Finch, Matt Feiner, Rocko Gallipoli, Willie Hoffman, Linda Lindroth, MakeHaven, and Dana Scinto. Ian Applegate is new media artist, born and raised in New Haven. Heather Bizon is an artist and architect practicing in New Haven, whose work explores perceptual and spatial experience through installation, new media, architecture and animation. An accomplished sculptor, Silas Finch works with found and broken objects to create his pieces. His awards include the Most Innovative Table Design award at the 8th Annual Flavors of Connecticut, and the Mollie & Albert Jacobson Award for Sculpture. Matt Feiner, cycling advocate and owner of the Devil’s Gear Bike Shop, is also a prominent New Haven artist whose art includes installations, collages, and found object mixed media work. Inspired by carnival culture, West Haven artist Rocko Gallipoli uses mixed media to represent pop cultural and historical objects. Owner and craftsman of Playable Studios, New Haven carpenter Willie Hoffman designs and creates beautiful and original furniture for all ages. The architect-artist-builder collaborative of Linda Lindroth, Craig Newick, and Jeff Carter have reprised Jasper Smiles for this public setting. Lindroth’s work has been displayed across the US, Canada, and Europe, and has received numerous Artists Fellowships and design awards.  MakeHaven is a cooperative workplace in downtown New Haven for artists and other collaborative creators working in a range of fields, including mechanics, electronics, crafts, digital art, biology, and woodworking. Dana Scinto is a New Haven-based artist whose works are vividly colorful and range from furniture and other decorative interior objects to fine art.

This is one of 4 public projects made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts and is also supported by an Arts Catalyze Placemaking grant from the CT Office of the Arts.   A full history of the Lot and the exhibitions which Artspace has organized, in partnership with the City of New Haven and the Town Green Special Services BID there can be found on our Wikipedia page, wikipedia.org/wiki/Artspace.  Read the Yale Daily News blog for more information on the creation of this site.

New Voices in Children's Literature: Tassy Walden Awards Seeks Unpublished Writers & Illustrators of Children's Books

 Illustration by Marcella Staudenmaier

New Voices in Children’s Literature: 14^th Tassy Walden Awards is seeking unpublished writers and illustrators of children's books.  This annual competition encourages and nurtures the creation of exceptional quality books for children of Connecticut residents.  This exciting book awards program has seen the successful publishing of 18 writers and/or illustrators and will be accepting entries for this year’s contest until February 3, 2014 in the categories of Picture Book (text only), Illustrated Picture Book, Children's Book Illustrator’s Portfolio, Middle Grade Novel and Young Adult/Teen Novel.  An award of $250 may be presented in each category as judged by publishing industry experts.  The winners and honorable mention recognition are determined at the discretion of the judges. 

Call for Entry guidelines and forms, as well as additional information on preparing manuscripts and portfolios, are available here or by calling 203-453-3890.  All submissions to the New Voices in Children’s Literature competition must adhere to Call for Entry requirements and will be evaluated pursuant to children’s book publishing industry standards and guidelines in a two-tier process.  Nationally recognized literary agents will make the initial selection of submission finalists in each award category after which acclaimed editors will determine the awardees.  All applicants will be notified of the judges’ decisions in early May.  

In order to provide encouragement and guidance to unpublished authors and illustrators, the Shoreline Arts Alliance in collaboration with public libraries and schools, will be offering workshops to address submission requirements and steps to publication.  Workshops are currently scheduled at 7pm on Tuesday, October 22 at Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, 84 Lyme Street, Old Lyme; 2pm on Saturday, October 26 at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown; 6pm on Tuesday, October 29 at New Haven Free Public Library, 133 Elm Street, New Haven; and 7pm on Wednesday, October 30 at Welles-Turner Memorial Library, 2407 Main Street, Glastonbury. RSVP requested for attendees to tassy@shorelinearts.org or 203-453-3890. 

These workshops are open to the public and free to attend and are facilitated by published children's authors and illustrators and award winners of the New Voices in Children's Literature competition. The workshops provide potential entrants with guidance in preparing Tassy Walden Award submissions according to the entry requirements; provide insight into the standards of the children's book publishing industry; and answer questions about this field and writing and illustrating for an audience of children.

For call for entry forms and additional information forms click here.  Read more.

Katherine “Tassy” Walden (1913 – 2008) for whom these awards are named will long be remembered for her outstanding dedication and contributions toward the betterment of the Shoreline community.  Tassy’s volunteerism and primary interests were in the fields of education, theatre and social services, especially as those programs enhanced and enriched the lives of children.  As we commemorate the 14^th anniversary of these awards we also remember and celebrate the incredible life of its namesake.

Somewhat Off the Wall Fundraiser

The Art Council‘s Somewhat Off the Wall event is a unique art exhibition where guests have the opportunity to take home the artwork on display!  The event will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 5pm – 9pm in the lobby of 360 State Street, New Haven (featured pieces have been on display since late August). From 5pm – 7pm guests are encouraged to mingle with their fellow art lovers and select their favorite pieces fro the exhibition. At 7pm, numbered premium tickets will be drawn at random. Each premium ticket-holder can then select a piece of original artwork to take “off the wall.” This year’s event features drawings, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, prints, textiles, glass, and woodcraft by outstanding artists who have each donated three pieces of their work. A limited number of premium tickets are available at $100 each. There is also an unlimited number of tickets to the party (these do not include artwork) at $35 each. All proceeds from the event support the Arts Council of Greater New Haven.  Click HERE to order tickets to the event.

Participating Somewhat Off the Wall artists include: Corina S. Alvarezdelugo, Aspasia Patti Anos, Judy Atlas, Ray Baldelli, Mandy Carroll-Leiva, Peter Casolino, Matthew Cassar, Tracie Cheng, Larry Cowles, Claudia Cron, Marie Curtis, Kathleen DeMeo, Jim Fiora, Karen Ford, Oi Fortin, Maura Galante, Brenda Hall, Barbara Harder, Sharon Hirsch, Gray Jacobik, Art Johnson, Sean Kernan, Janet Lage, Jane Lederer, Amy Leiner, Eric Litke, Ken Lovell, Rebecca Lowry, Kristin Merrill, Meredith Miller, Jane Miller, Susan Nichols, Douglas Nygren, Chris Randall, Rob Rocke, Lawrence Russ, Chip Rutan, Ruth Sack, Phyllis Savage, Suzan Scott, Michael Skrtic, Maureen Squires, Jane Strauss Novick, Paul Theriault, Kevin Van Aelst, Marjie Wolfe, Virginiam Zimmermann and Gale Zucker.

(Information provided by ACGNH)

A Night to Taste & Savor & Support a Good Cause

This Thursday evening, September 19 (rain date September 26), brings the culinary arts to downtown Madison.  The Madison Exchange Club will host its 11^th annual Food Festival for all to enjoy.  Come and sample fine food and refreshments in the Courtyard adjoining the First Niagara Bank!   This fall food festival will feature thirty of the finest restaurants and wine shops from along the Shoreline…New Haven to Old Saybrook from 6 – 9pm.

In addition to sensational hors d’ouevres, starters and appetizers served by the attending restaurants and wine/beer tasting provided by the invited wine shoppes, the three hour block party includes great tunes played by the Four Barrel Billy Band, a super raffle, and outstanding silent auction.  Come one, come all to share in a fabulous time…never a dull moment tasting and sharing the best with friends and neighbors right in the middle of Madison.

Tickets are $40 and may be purchased on-line, or at Madison Racquet and Swim Club, RJ Julia’s, Prudential Realty or Roberts Food Center. Tickets or e-tickets must be presented to enter the festival.

Founded in 1951, the Exchange Club of Madison is part of a national network of volunteers serving Connecticut and the greater Madison-Guilford area through established programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and a national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse.  The Exchange Club of Madison sponsors a wide range of local activities, helps the disadvantaged and encourages good American citizenship which features their signature event, the Exchange Independence Day Parade in Madison.   The Programs of Service has four principal areas: Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities and Child Abuse Prevention.  Additionally, their Board of Directors meets throughout the year to address special requests on a monthly basis so that we evolve along with our community.  Requests for assistance can be made through our Projects & Activities Committee.

Since 1979, the National Exchange Club Foundation has committed itself to breaking the cycle of child abuse. Their efforts have helped more than 1.6 million children and 656,689 families eliminate child abuse in their daily lives. The NEC Foundation is endorsed by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and winner of the Presidential Award from the the White House Office of Private Sector Initiatives recognizing exemplary community outreach and volunteer service projects. The NECF is a charter member of The National Child Abuse Coalition and is a Partner in Prevention, along with other national child abuse prevention organizations, through affiliation with the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

This organization is making a difference today but there is still much work to do.  Help support their efforts by purchasing tickets to this feast for the senses.

Visit the Programs of Service link to see all that they do locally and around the state.

Sponsors for this Culinary Arts Night are: Platinum Level – Clarity Software Solutions and Guilford Savings Bank; Gold Level – Martens & Heads, Gordon Gregoretti and Laurie & Jack Heflin; Silver Level – Donahue’s Madison Beach Grill and Tuxis True Value Lumber.

(Article compiled from Madison Patch and Exchange Club web site)

Give Peace a Chance

Back in 1973, John Lennon wanted to make New York City his home, but he was being treated like an illegal immigrant. Though his wife Yoko Ono already had a green card, the rabble-rousing Lennon had been denied permanent resident status in the US. So with characteristic whimsy and outside-the-box thinking, he called a press conference on April Fool’s Day to announce the pair’s creation of “a conceptual country, Nutopia,” seeking diplomatic immunity as its ambassador.  “Citizenship of the country can be obtained by declaration of your awareness of Nutopia. Nutopia has no land, no boundaries, no passports, only people. Nutopia has no laws other than cosmic,” Lennon declared. The couple even hung a plaque inscribed “Nutopian Embassy” on their kitchen door in the Dakota. The virtual country flew a perpetual white flag, and its Great Seal was a picture of…a seal. (Almanac Weekly)

In 2010 two veteran rock musicians, Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step and Tom Dean of Devonsquare, brought together an eight-piece multi-generational ensemble to celebrate the artistry and genius of the late John Lennon.  One day after what would have been John's 73rd birthday, October 10, the Nutopians (formerly the John Lennon Song Project) will return to the site of their 2010 sellout debut performance at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center.  This unique ensemble celebrates the genius and artistry of John Lennon with exquisite renditions of songs from his Beatles and his solo years.  The band has inspired a whole new appreciation for the icon's music. They recently performed for Yoko Ono Lennon at WhyHunger's Chapin Awards Dinner in NYC, and now celebrate the 2013 release of their second CD Lennon Re-Imagined following their stunning 2010 breakout CD Imagined that won the Independent Music Award for Best Tribute Album.

Featured tracks on the CD from Lennon's Beatles canon include: You’re Gonna Lose That Girl, No Reply, If I Fell and Cry Baby Cry/The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill.  Featured compositions from his solo years include Instant Karma, Beautiful Boy and Love/Oh My Love.  The later was co-written with his wife Yoko Ono Lennon. The new CD also features breakout vocal performances by Maggie Coffin, the ensemble's up-and-coming 17-year-old high school singing sensation from Gardiner, Maine, who inspires with her interpretations of Dear Prudence and Revolution.

Other members of the Nutopians include Dean's Devonsquare band mate Alana MacDonald on violin and vocals; New York City’s own Gary Schreiner on chromatic harmonica, piano and accordion; Robby Coffin (Maggie's dad) on lead acoustic and electric guitars and vocals; Teg Glendon on bass; and Jordan Jancz on cello and percussion.

Lennon Re-Imagined was officially released in August, 2013 and is available now at CD Baby, iTunes and at the band's website. Additional biographical information about the Nutopians and their upcoming tour dates are also available at www.thenutopians.com.

"There has never been a more honest or enlightened songwriter on planet earth than John Lennon,” says Nutopians' co-founder Tom Dean. "Our goal, in some small way, is to continue shining a light on John's message of love, peace and hope with our interpretations of this amazing artist's music." (The Nutopians Press Release).  Head to The Kate for this very special return appearance of the Nutopians and see why this group is creating such a huge buzz!

Tickets: $45 at  http://www.katharinehepburntheater.org or  877-503-1286

ACCLAIMED FIREWORKS ENSEMBLE COMING TO MIDDLETOWN

Photo by Annabel Mehran

The flexible and high energy instrumental New York City based ensemble Fireworks will be performing as part of the Greater Middletown Concert Association’s 2013-2014 programming. Originally scheduled in Middletown last Feb. 10, Fireworks had to be cancelled because of heavy snow. This is its rescheduled appearance on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 3:00 p.m. and will be held in the state-of-the-art Middletown High School Performing Arts Center, 200 Rosa Lane, Middletown.

An amplified chamber band known as “the bridge between the contemporary classical ensemble and the mainstream popular audience,” Fireworks ties together the richly diverse threads of our musical heritage with great American folk, rock, jazz, and classical music.  According to the New York Times this group is “classically trained but musically fearless!”

With a repertoire encompassing Frank Zappa’s instrumental rock, dance music from around the world, classic cartoon music, and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, Fireworks presents a uniquely American vision of chamber music. The ensemble has appeared on many of the country’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, The Library of Congress, and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. Fireworks has participated in CMA’s Residency Partnership Program, Carnegie Hall’s Musical Connections program, and is currently ensemble-in-residence at the Oregon Bach Festival. Fireworks records for Entertainment One.

The chamber ensemble of eight outstanding young string, woodwind and keyboard musicians of Fireworks will feature a program called American Tapestry. For a short excerpt from this program click here.  It is a journey through America’s vast and varied cultural landscape, and an exploration of the connections and influences that helped shape America’s greatest music. For example, Fireworks program moves from the bluegrass fiddles of Appalachia to the earthy hallelujahs of the Sacred Harp,  from Louisiana Zydeco to Chicago Blues, from composers Ives and Copland to rock and hip hop. This young “crossover” chamber group has electrified the entire music world! It is now known as the “hottest” chamber group in New York City!

Tickets are available to the public now at $30 (front seats) or $25 (rear seats), by calling 860 347-4887 or 860 346-3369. There are student, family and group prices upon inquiry.  Major credit cards are accepted. Also, checks for tickets can be sent to: GMCA, Box 2622, Middletown, CT 06457. 

 

Experience the Arts!

Though spring is usually associated with new beginnings – it is the fall season when so many of our Member Organizations regroup and launch their new seasons.  Many of these affiliates welcome new members at this time.  So, I thought I would highlight some and encourage you, our readership, to think about signing up to sing, play, draw, paint, write, act – whatever your passion might be or even better - try something new!

SINGERS:

Another Octave: CT Women’s Chorus-rehearsals in Hamden: non-auditioned women’s chorus.  New members welcome through September 10. Director- Lydia Smith-Franks. 
www.anotheroctave.org

Cappella Cantorum-rehearsals in Old Saybrook: a non-auditioned community chorus. Director-Barry Asch.
www.cappellacantorum.org

Con Brio-rehearsals in Old Saybrook: 50 person classical, auditioned chorus. Director-Dr. Stephen Bruce. www.conbrio.org

CT Gay Men’s Chorus-rehearsals in New Haven: Auditions September 24.  Director Brad Blake. 
www.ctgmc.org

CT Yuletide Carolers (seasonal chorus)-rehearsals in Branford: Auditions September 14 & 15 for soprano and alto (tenor & bass positions filled).  Director Mike Carnaroli.
www.ctyuletide.com

Greater Middletown Chorale-rehearsals in Middletown: an auditioned symphonic chorus. Director-Jospeh D’Eugenio www.gmchorale.org

Greater New Haven Community Chorus-rehearsals in New Haven: a non-auditioned 4-part, 100+ voice chorus.  Director- Noah Glynn www.gnhcc.org

New Haven Chorale-rehearsals in New Haven: auditioned, professionally conducted community of vocal musicians. Auditions September 7.  Director-Edward Bolkovac. www.newhavenchorale.org

Shoreline Community Chorale-rehearsals in Madison: non-auditioned mixed SATB choir.  Open rehearsal September 4.  Director-Rachel Allen. www.shorelinechorale.org

United Girls’Choir-rehearsal multiple locations: auditioned girls’ choir ages 5 – 17.  Director Rebecca Rosenbaum. www.unitedchoir.com

 

INSTRUMENTALISTS:

Branford Town Band-rehearsals in Branford: voluntary musicians.  Director Kathy Banca.
www.facebook.com/pages/Branford-Town-Band
Civic Orchestra of New Haven-rehearsals in New Haven: auditioned serious amateur/professional orchestra.  Director-Christopher James Hisey. www.conh.org

Greater New Haven Youth Ensembles-rehearsals in New Haven: auditioned ensembles for middle grade and high school students.  Auditions were Aug. 26-31.  Call for information 203-624-5189. 
www.neighborhoodmusicschool.org

Shoreline Youth Symphony Orchestra-rehearsals in Madison: auditioned and non-auditioned groups, ages elementary through high school. Director Ann & William Clemmons. www.syso.org

ACTORS:

ArtFarm-rehearsals in Middletown: open call auditions for aspiring circus performers 12 -18 years old September 10 for Circophony. Director-Dic Wheeler.
Adult Fall Workshop-Shakespeare Scenes. TBA www.artfarm.org

Ivoryton Playhouse-rehearsals in Ivoryton: auditions for equity and non-equity actors September 9 for production of The Seven Year Itch. Director-Jaqueline Hubbard. www.ivorytonplayhouse.org

Madhatters Theatre Company-rehearsals in Old Lyme: auditions for children September 7 for production of Babes in Toyland. Director-Francesca Webster www.ctkidsonstage.com/madhatterstheatrecompany.html

New Britain Youth Theatre-rehearsals in New Britain: auditions for children 6 -9 years old September 8 & 9 for production of Super Duck. Director-Brooke Ferguson & Christina LoBello
Auditions for 12 -18 years old September 8 & 9 for production of Any Dream Will Do-A Musical Revue. Director-Angela Klimaytis.
Auditions for 8-14 years old September 15 & 16 for production of Season of Light: A Winter Fairy Tale. Director-David Sousa. www.nbyt.org

Pantochino Productions, Inc-rehearsals in Milford: open call for musical theatre performers (adults & teens) September 10 & 11 for musicals, Porkenstein, The Great Cinnamon Bear Christmas Radio Show, Pirate Schmirate and The Divine Sister. Directors-Bert Bernardini & Jimmy Johansmeyer. www.pantochino.com

Tabor Arts Center-rehearsals in Branford: open call for students in 3^rd – 8^th grade September 14 for musical The Music Man, Jr. Director-Stephen Dest. Call 203-488-5668 or email: tabor_arts@yahoo.com to schedule.

CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS:

New England Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (NESCBWI)-meet in locations throughout CT and New England.
http://www.nescbwi.org

The following member organizations offer on-going classes in music, art, theatre and dance:

Art at Murray Pond Arts Center at Killingworth Community Music School (open house week September 9 – 13) Eastern CT Ballet Guilford Art Center Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts Lyme Art Association Neighborhood Music School (open house September 8) New Haven Ballet Starship Dance Studio

Enjoy an arts experience!